Tuesday, January 15, 2019

I'm excited to kick off a series about skincare and anti-aging this year in partnership with my dermatologist, Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD of Modern Dermatology. I've been seeing Dr. Robinson for medical and cosmetic skin needs for a few years and throughout both of my pregnancies. She recently opened a practice in Westport, Connecticut with Dr. Rhonda Klein, MD, MPH, FAAD. The co-founders are both Yale-trained, board certified, moms of four (that's right, 1-2-3-4) and active in the surrounding community. If you're local, you'll enjoy reading this article on Westport Moms.

I experienced acne flare-ups with both of my pregnancies so consulted with Dr. Robinson for safe prescriptions. While there are several resources online to find out what ingredients aren't safe (and we’ve listed some below), I recommend seeing a dermatologist to develop the most effective routine and give you peace of mind. After all, your skin is your largest organ!

Modern Dermatology Westport Office

Since Chase was born and I'm no longer nursing, I decided it was time to step up my routine. 2019 flawless skin goals! I was recently in the office for injections and next up I'll be trying a laser treatment called Vbeam to combat redness. I've always had some redness in my cheeks, which has become more prevalent as I've gotten older. I'm hoping with this treatment I can lay off the makeup and give my winter skin a glow. I'm also excited to share some of the new clean products by PURE BioDerm I've been using over the past few weeks, formulated by Dr. Robinson & Dr. Klein.

Chances are if you're here reading this you probably have some of the same questions I did about anti-aging treatments…

Q&A with Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, MD, FAAD

What are the most popular laser treatments for anti-aging and what do they target?
There have been amazing advancements in technology, efficacy and safety of lasers and today there is a laser for nearly every sign of aging. The VBeam or Pulsed-Dye-Laser (PDL) laser is great to target redness and broken blood vessels. If sun freckles or pigmentation are the issue, a series of photofacials with IPL or Fraxel 1927 nm are effective therapies. Another very popular laser for antiaging is the PICO. PICO targets discoloration, but also helps to build collagen and targets lines, wrinkles, tone and texture. If deeper wrinkles are the issue, a more aggressive resurfacing laser with CO2 can make a marked difference.

What other treatments do you recommend for anti-aging?
Using lasers alongside toxins (Botox/Xeomin/Dysport) and dermal fillers is a terrific trifecta for a preventative and restorative approach to antiaging.
There are other procedures that work by building collagen, which is the building blocks of our skin and something we start to lose after age 30. Procedures such as Ulthera (ultrasound) and TempSure (radiofrequency) heat the skin, causing intentional injury, which stimulates the creation of new collagen.
Lastly, if lasers aren’t your thing, micro needling with Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) is a great treatment for rejuvenation. The treatment creates tiny openings in the skin with a micro needling device followed by applying topical platelet rich plasma, which contains our bodies’ own growth factors, and can help with fine lines, wrinkles, tone and texture. This is also known as the “Vampire Facial,” which we can thank Kim Kardashian for sharing with the world.

What treatments are safe during pregnancy?
Some lasers are safe during pregnancy such as the PDL. It’s always best to check with your OB to make sure they have no objections to the treatment. Also, the use of red and blue light is safe during pregnancy and can be a great tool to help reduce inflammation and combat acne.

What products should you avoid while pregnant or nursing?
The traditional products that we think of using for rejuvenation are a no-go in pregnancy/nursing such as topical retinoids/retinols. Also, there are many prescription products which are not safe, so be sure to check with your friendly board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Klein and I each have had 4 children, so we totally get it from all angles!

Check back for updates on my blog and Instagram for an amazing treatment giveaway with my friend and fellow Fairfield County blogger, Mrs. Nipple!

These are a few of Lexi's winter favorites. One day I'll get around to a post about where and how I shop for Lexi... but if I haven't said it lately I get the majority from Gap and Old Navy. I haven't had much luck finding Lexi jeans that fit her/she won't complain about the waist (wait... aren't we all that way, haha) so the jeggings have been a staple. Several people have asked if the Old Navy fleece comes in adult sizes... I wish! Every single time she wears this someone compliments it.

The Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket in green coordinates well with her most worn colors - pink, purple and navy - so we've gotten this for two years in a row. These Converse are great for toddler girls not just because they are velcro but they are easy to clean. I have yet to splurge on the Uggs... will probably wait until next winter. I also love this pair with stars, but every once in awhile I'll be "practical" and get the gender neutral version to hand down to Chase.

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

Back in December I attended a floral workshop with Stems + Co at the Serena & Lily Westport design shop. It was a beautiful event co-hosted by atHome Magazine.

I loved how the buckets of flowers were placed on their Riviera chairs. We watched a tutorial and then choose our stems.

It was nice to take a break from the holiday rush and learn some tips and tricks from Rowayton based Stems + Co founder Zoe. Each vase had a tape grid for a foundation... I have yet to try this on my own but will this year!

If you are local and in need of floral services you'll love their work. Gorgeous! Recently friends from my parents group attended a wreath workshop and really enjoyed it. (I'll keep you posted on my Instagram if I learn of any in the near future... lots of inquires after I shared this event on my stories!)

After the workshop I browsed around... I just want to move in. The design shop has many of their pieces on display as well as fun accents you won't find online. I'm always inspired after a trip to make some home updates.

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